Construction Cost

  • Think Sidehouse, Not Penthouse, for Utilities Distribution

    Carleton University Gains Adaptability, More Space for Science, with Horizontal Strategy
    Post date: 
    8-9-2017

    Replacing the traditional penthouse with a ground-breaking sidehouse, the new Health Sciences Building at Canada’s Carleton University represents the latest step in the evolution of academic science facilities. Along with reflecting today’s emphasis on open labs and interdisciplinary collaboration, the building’s fresh approach to utilities distribution improves overall design, lab efficiency, and adaptability for future fit-outs and changes—all while adhering to a very tight budget and construction schedule.

  • Brasfield & Gorrie Use Drone Mapping Software to Optimize Project Delivery

    Post date: 
    7-11-2017
    Dateline: 
    Birmingham, Ala.

    Brasfield & Gorrie’s virtual design and construction team is utilizing DroneDeploy software to enhance site planning, design, and safety.

  • University of Hawai’i at Mānoa Constructs Life Sciences Building

    Post date: 
    7-6-2017
    Dateline: 
    Mānoa, Hawai’i

    The University of Hawai’i at Mānoa will begin construction in late 2017 on the $50 million Life Sciences Building.

  • Lab Surfaces in Flux

    Flexibility, Aesthetics, and Cost Trends Drive Countertop Choices
    Post date: 
    6-21-2017

    All lab work—experiments, equipment usage, write-ups—occurs on countertops, but these flat horizontal surfaces are rapidly changing. “Today, lab work surfaces need to be adaptable, flexible, ergonomic, mobile, reconfigurable, versatile, sustainable, design-oriented, aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective, and easy to install,” says Arnulf Penker, president of FunderMax, a designer and producer of wood-based materials and compact laminates in St. Veit an der Glan, Austria.

  • Optimum Phasing Strategies for Campus Construction

    Consider Impact on Students, Faculty, Fiscal Objectives, and Long-Term Vision
    Post date: 
    6-14-2017

    Renovating an existing science facility or constructing a new building at today’s busy colleges requires the right approach in order to minimize the impact on students and faculty, while also adhering to the institution’s financial goals and strategic plan. It is important to design the project in a manner that allows students to complete their courses, and for faculty to maintain their research and teaching schedules. This is achieved with one of three phasing strategies: using 100 percent temporary facilities, no temporary space, or a hybrid of both.

  • Sustained Economic Growth Continues to Increase Construction Costs and Labor Demand

    Market Outlook 2017 Q1
    Post date: 
    6-14-2017

    The U.S. economy grew at a healthy rate in the first quarter of 2017, adding roughly 176,000 jobs per month. Capital construction prices continued their 2016 trend, increasing at an average of 6 percent, depending on location. Construction job growth was approximately 89,000 or 1.3 percent nationally. Energy and commodity prices continue to remain at levels not seen since the 1990s, due to abundant international and domestic supplies combined with a strong U.S. dollar.

  • The Rockefeller University Implements Modular Construction Technologies on Kravis Research Building

    Post date: 
    3-31-2017
    Dateline: 
    New York

    The Rockefeller University is constructing the $300 million Marie-Josée and Henry R. Kravis Research Building in New York.

  • Just Biotherapeutics Utilizes G-CON Prefabricated Cleanroom Pods in Hangzhou Bioprocessing Facility

    Post date: 
    3-29-2017
    Dateline: 
    Hangzhou, China

    Just Biotherapeutics is integrating PODs® made by G-CON Manufacturing into the construction of its biologics manufacturing building in China.

  • Strong Economy and Robust Construction in 2016 Drive Increased Cost Escalation

    Market Outlook 2016 Q4
    Post date: 
    2-22-2017

    Construction prices increased an average of 6 percent in 2016, as energy and commodity prices remained at levels not seen since the 1990s, due in large part to the strength of the U.S. dollar. Five consecutive years of above-average cost escalation has driven the construction cost trendline to 3.3 percent. Price increases are attributed to robust construction activity allowing contractors to increase their margins as demand grows. The construction sector is also reaching full employment levels, which is expected to drive wage increases in the near to mid-term.

  • Getting the Most Valuable Design on a Biocontainment Project

    Smart Value Engineering Strategies can Yield Opportunities for Savings and Design Efficiency on BSL-3 Projects
    Post date: 
    2-22-2017

    Value engineering (VE) can save money on a BSL-3 project without compromising facility operations, lifecycle costs, regulatory compliance, or biocontainment requirements; if managed correctly, VE is an opportunity to improve a project, not just a cost-cutting tactic.

Pages

Subscribe to Construction Cost